The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in the Philippines has announced that barangay certificates and sedulas will no longer be accepted as valid proof of identity during voter registration. This update was emphasized by Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia ahead of the reopening of voter registration set to occur from November 10, 2026, until July 30, 2027, in preparation for the 2028 National and Local Elections.
Garcia specifically advised the public, stating, "Do not bring barangay certification or sedula for registration. We prohibit that." His reminder comes in light of increasing preparations for the upcoming elections, and he urged potential voters to utilize other forms of identification instead.
Alternatives to the prohibited documents include various valid forms of ID. Garcia recommended government-issued IDs, student identification, library cards, police or NBI clearances, and senior citizen IDs as acceptable options for individuals registering to vote. He reiterated that barangay certifications and sedulas are not permitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents are no longer accepted for voter registration?
Barangay certificates and sedulas are no longer accepted as proof of identity for voter registration.
When is the voter registration period for the 2028 elections?
Voter registration will be open from November 10, 2026, to July 30, 2027.
What types of identification are acceptable for voter registration?
Acceptable forms of ID include government-issued IDs, student IDs, library cards, police and NBI clearances, and senior citizen IDs.
Reporting by Joey Bengzon for Rapport Philippines. This report was prepared from available source material and reviewed for factual consistency. Further verified updates will be added as the newsroom receives them.